if you believe u.s. experts, that's much too close. >> [speaking japanese] >> igarashi told us he feels that way too. the japanese are, for the moment, balancing between the disaster that has happened and the disaster that awaits. the prime minister told his people they will rebuild japan. but all along the northern coast and in the town of pine tree island, there is a powerful sense that for now, time has stopped. >> eight months after the disaster, thousands were living in temporary housing, and there were few signs of rebuilding. the local town leaders in charge of the reconstruction were moving slowly because they were uncertain of the extent and speed of government aid. they were also seeking better ways to protect their communities from future tsunamis. as for the power plant, in february 2012, it was leaking radioactive water less than two months after the japanese prime minister declared it stable. meanwhile, japan was still struggling to protect its food supply from radioactive contamination. th